What looks like a kiss from an elephantine snout (left) is likely a bite to ensure
a female does not elude an avid male. At up to 8,800 pounds, adult males can
be ten times more massive than females. After an 11-month gestation, a pup
emerges onto the sand with tongue out (top). Mother and pup nuzzle (above)
to learn each other's smell. Before weaning at about three weeks, the 90-pound
newborn could triple its weight, while the nursing mother may lose a third.
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